Why a career in tech?

I have always been passionate about the world of construction.
At first, I aspired to become an architect. Unfortunately, after high school, I was unable to enroll in an architecture school. Naturally, I then turned to a more technical path related to this field.

Your professional experience?

As a child (at around 6 or 7 years old), I dreamed of becoming a great architect—I would draw house plans in my room. This idea never left me. However, I was also passionate about mathematics! So, I pursued a scientific baccalaureate specializing in engineering sciences, with the goal of later joining a program offering a dual degree in architecture and engineering. After obtaining my baccalaureate, I enrolled in a DUT in Civil Engineering, intending to continue into an architecture school. However, I quickly realized that designing buildings was great, but understanding how to make them stand was even better! This led me to pursue an engineering degree in Civil Engineering at ENISE (École Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Saint-Étienne). During my studies, I also developed a strong interest in wood as a construction material. To deepen my knowledge, I completed an academic semester in Canada at UQAC (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi), specializing in timber construction. Following my studies, I worked as a site manager, then as a structural engineer, and finally as a cost estimation manager in a timber construction company.

Your first experience with technology?

I worked as a site manager at Eiffage Construction, overseeing three structural work (concrete) projects simultaneously.

What do you do today, and why?

I am the Cost Estimation Manager at a timber construction company. In this role, I am responsible for the technical aspects of all projects studied by the company during the pre-design phase (bidding process). I support the sales team in client meetings, contribute to the bidding strategy, conduct technical pre-design studies, act as a project manager for design-build contracts, review, analyze, and validate cost estimates prepared by quantity surveyors, and more. I greatly enjoy this job for its diversity, the need for broad technical expertise, as well as its commercial and strategic aspects.

Your strengths in this role?

The key strengths required for this position are numerous and diverse:
– Organizational skills and strong memory: Often, multiple projects are studied simultaneously.
– Technical expertise: Projects vary greatly, requiring knowledge across multiple fields.
– Commercial relationship skills: Essential for meetings with sales teams and clients.
– Strategic vision: To select projects that align perfectly with the company’s scope.
– Management skills: Both cross-functional, working with different departments, and hierarchical, supervising quantity surveyors.
– In-depth cross-functional knowledge of the company: A fundamental requirement for accurately estimating project costs.

Past challenges, failures and disappointments?

One of my biggest setbacks was not being able to enroll in an architecture school after my baccalaureate. In the end, however, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

In cost estimation, losing the first few bids can be frustrating! But over time, you get used to it, as it becomes a natural part of the job.

Best moments, successes you’re proud of?

The success I am most proud of is finding my true path. As a child—and even through high school—I was very shy. I hated speaking in front of groups or approaching people. But from the moment I started my specialized studies in construction, I immediately felt comfortable and open to the world around me.

As a fun anecdote, I even gave a speech at my engineering graduation ceremony in front of nearly 1,500 people! That was a huge achievement for me.

Of course, I am also proud of successfully completing my studies and making my parents proud.

In my profession, winning a project—knowing that it has been properly assessed both technically and financially—is always a source of pride. It means bringing work to the company while ensuring it is well-managed, which is truly satisfying.

People who helped, influenced -or made your life difficult?

My parents and family, especially my father, have been a great source of inspiration. He also works in the construction industry and was the one who passed this passion on to me. In fact, it was he who first planted the idea of becoming an architect in my mind when I was in primary school!

The former department manager, whose position I took over after his retirement, also had a significant impact on me. His technical expertise and deep knowledge of the company were truly impressive. He taught me a great deal, and I am very grateful for that.

Your hopes and future challenges?

On a professional level, I would like to continue progressing technically in my field. I also aim to further develop my department and leverage the company’s feedback to submit ever more precise and technically and financially coherent proposals.

On a personal level, I would love to travel to explore the world, its landscapes, and its rich architectures!

What do you do when you don’t work?

Outside of work, I teach children who are facing difficulties. I also do a lot of running and dancing.

I am also passionate about the mountains and photography, which leads me to go on many hiking trips during the summer.

Your heroes -from History or fiction?

Simone Veil or Anne Franck.

A saying or proverb you like in particular?

« Vocation is having your passion as your profession », Stendhal.

A book to take with you on a desert island?

Survivre sur une île déserte pour les nuls !

Or Veiller sur elle by Jean-Baptiste Andréa, I really loved this book and I could read it again and again.

A message to young female professionals?

Don’t let others dictate your desires or make you doubt them! If you have dreams, pursue them without questioning yourself, even if others try to dissuade you. And especially if it’s to work in tech!